Species · GBIF taxon 2417940
Blue Shark
Prionace glaucaAlso known as Great Blue Shark, Blue Whaler
Blue sharks are sleek, exceptionally hydrodynamic predators easily recognized by their deep indigo backs, vibrant blue flanks, and stark white bellies. They glide effortlessly through the open ocean using unusually long pectoral fins, embarking on transoceanic migrations that span thousands of miles in search of prey. These active hunters gather in large, sex-segregated schools during their travels, playing a vital role in regulating pelagic food webs.
PelagicMigratoryDeep Ocean
Licensed reference(c) Marion Kraschl, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Squid
- Mackerel
- Herring
Predators
- Great White Shark
- Killer Whale
- Shortfin Mako
ThreatsCommercial longline bycatch, shark finning, and marine plastic pollution
HabitatsOpen ocean, pelagic zones, and deep temperate to tropical waters
Life span15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCarcharhinidae
- SpeciesPrionace glauca
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- A large predator that may bite if provoked or during feeding frenzies; maintain a respectful distance when diving.
- Why it is dangerous
- Capable of inflicting severe bites due to their size and sharp, serrated teeth, particularly when food is present.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a slender body with a brilliant blue back, long pectoral fins, and a long, conical snout.
- What to do
- Never attempt to touch or feed them, and exit the water calmly if they display persistent, inquisitive behavior.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by their distinct indigo coloration and exceptionally long, wing-like pectoral fins.
- Support conservation
- Support sustainable seafood choices and advocate for longline fishing regulations to help protect pelagic populations.
Responsible observation
- Keep Distance: Avoid blocking their swimming path or making sudden movements if encountered while diving.
- Avoid Baiting: Do not use spear-fishing catch or chum to attract them, as this can trigger competitive feeding behavior.
- Watch the Fins: Observe pectoral fin posture, as lowered fins can indicate agitation or defensive posturing.
Competitor (c) jidanchaomian, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Cvf-ps, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative "オオメジロザメ Bull shark" by ume-y is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Kris-Mikael Krister, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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